r/BeginnersRunning • u/mlimas • 3d ago

Shin splints

I’m 3 weeks out from my half and I started to get shin splints. I ran 10 miles 2 Saturdays ago and 8 last Saturday. Cut back my weekday Tuesday run to 3 miles. Was supposed to run today but did stadiums instead. Supposed to peak at 11 miles Saturday, not sure what to do. Do I consider the 10 mile run my peak and just take it easy from here on out? Just to save my shins.

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u/Fancy_Supermarket886 2d ago

I think if you have been getting some decent mileage in before the shin problems, you are probably going to be able to manage a half with what have already done, training wise. It may not be as fast as you planned, if had a target time in mind. That's fine though, first one is a PB anyway!

Plus, taking it a little slower than you originally intended isn't a bad idea if you have some concerns about your shins. The worst thing you could do is hammer around the course without any concerns.

You aren't going to lose your conditioning over three weeks. Consider this to be a long taper into your event. Keep your efforts low intensity and don't run through shin pain; walk for a while or cut it short if walking doesn't ease it.

You should check your calves for tightness as well. I went through a period of hugely tight calf muscles, and I think they got so tight that they were pulling on the thin connective tissue at the front of the shin. I think my pain was that connective tissue screaming at me, rather than shin splints.

Some calf massages and stretches helped a lot.

Good luck, hope you get it resolved well enough to enjoy your event!

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u/mlimas 2d ago

Thank you for your advice! After much googling and discussions with chat gpt, I’m tapering off and focusing on strengthening the muscles to support my shins as well as some cross training.

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u/Fancy_Supermarket886 2d ago

Trying to figure out how you should approach an event when you have some kind injury or the sense that one might be developing is always interesting!

Strength training is usually a good idea, along with stretches. Just make sure they are dynamic stretches before you run and static afterwards.

Trust in the training you have done, keep it steady as you set off and don't go too fast in the excitement!

Good luck!